User:Browck/Sandbox

MeasureNet Technology
Measurenet Technology, Ltd., founded in 1998 is a technology company focusing primarily on educational laboratory instrumentation. The company patented their controller area network based data acquisition system on August 31, 1999 through the University of Cincinnati's Department of Chemistry and with funding from the National Science Foundation and Procter & Gamble under U.S. patent #5,946,471

Applications
The MeasureNet data acquisition system employs various means of collecting raw data(pH, temperature, pressure, voltage, etc.) in the laboratory setting through probes attached to the networked collection stations. Recently developed is a miniature diode array spectrometer, providing easy access to visible emission and absorbtion spectroscopy. This networked spectrometer greatly extends the capabilities provided for routine student use. The MeasureNet network system currently has more than 100 installations in universities, community colleges and high schools in the United States and other parts of the world such as Saudi Arabia and Puerto Rico. MeasureNet is being used by Walnut Hills High School, in Cincinnati, Ohio. MeasureNet is being used by Harper College located in Palatine, Illinois. The MeasureNet system is also currently in use at the University of Georgia, where almost 2,000 students use the system in weekly labs.

Innovations
MeasureNet's controller area network based data acquisition system relies on a single PC to control data flow and storage for an entire college laboratory. This approach is drastically different than most laboratory-based data acquisition systems which require PC's for each student collecting data; this system greatly reduces the amount of energy consumed in a typical college laboratory. The image below describes the MeasureNet networked data acquisition system.

Environmental Impact
Each year, one MeasureNet System saves 16,000 kWh of electricity, prevents 18.9 tons of CO2 emissions, saves 8.5 tons of coal, and saves $1,700 in energy costs compared to PC-based systems. Replacing just one MeasureNet PC at its obsolescence, instead of 12 PCs, keeps 26 cubic feet of waste, 66 pounds of lead, and other environmental toxins associated with PC disposal away from the nation’s landfills.

MeasureNet was awarded the Ohio Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency in November, 2002 at the State House Rotunda in Columbus. The award recognized MeasureNet's contribution to electricity savings in academic chemistry laboratories employing MeasureNet Networks for electronic data acquisition. The award also noted additional source reduction, waste contaminate, and greenhouse gas benefits through for the Network's users.